Can't choose a bracelet as a gift / Buying from China

[GameX]

Hi,


Does anyone here can help me choosing a great jewelry (Bracelet, probably) that I would offer as a gift?
I'm not quite sure if Sega-16 is a good place to ask about this, but maybe you can help me;

I'm looking on eBay, right now - I avoid stuff from China and Hong Kong (Which are half of the results!) and buy only from America (Can't select "Anything but China" unfortunately). I've heard these cheap chinese bracelet make the skin turn green, eventually, which is due to oxydation of the metal... China/Hong Kong bracelets really are that bad?
I did found some interesting results, but the thing that bother me is the metal; I have to say I don't know much about jewelry quality.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/7-Inch-Sapphi...14942360137815

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/10Ct-Sapphire...item4ababad7ef

These look really good, but they're made in brass, which annoy me: I've heard brass (50% copper and from 5 to 20% zinc) is fragile and is going to change color with time. I don't want that! From my personal experience, stainless steel seems fine, and does not discolor, but I can't find exactly what I'm looking for, on eBay.

Is there any metal I should try / avoid? What are my best choices?

EDIT: Amazon.com (Definitely more variety than .CA) look way better. Ton of stuff, not so much low-quality bracelets, nothing from China (Of course), and they still have their kickass discounts ! Yayyyy !

Thanks!

[Tanegashima]

I actually wear a stainless steel bracelet that my girlfriend bought me, it was made in Italy and I think it cost like $100...

Apparently that is "cheap" though I'm sure the markup was well into the 150% range. Stainless steel or silver are the way to go, but Silver needs to be close to pure, not plated because sweat and salt will eat right through silver or gold plating.

The skin turns green because of the high copper content in plated metals, the sweat eats away and oxidizes it.

I'm saving for a Tag Heuer watch with a stainless band and even though its a $2500 watch, I'd bet money the band is made in China even if they don't tell you.

Hell I bet even Rolex bands are made in China now, though I'm sure thats up for debate.

[GameX]

Thanks.

The only bracelet I own is a stainless steel one, and wear it also all day long. 6 months later, still the same.
I've searched for more info, and the best probably are titanium (Not many, and unfortunately not the style I'm looking for) and platinium (Man, there are only 13 on Amazon, and the lowest price is 388$, with 826$ off...);

Copper and brass are the most common on eBay, but I've been told by a professionnal seller these left marks on skin. :S
As for sterling silver (Most common on Amazon, and some are really beautiful, with a decent price), they tend to turn darker, from what we told me.

And gold look fine, apparently, it doesn't change color - white gold would be great, but it's out of price!
What about plated gold? Is there really a notaceable difference of durability between plated gold and gold filled?

Sterling silver’s durability makes it a great choice for creating jewelry that is intended to be worn as an everyday item.

Is this true? Sterling silver need to be cleaned often, isn't it?

Copper is the metal most commonly used to make up the remaining 7.5 percent content of a sterling silver mix. Copper makes the silver harder, but gives it a tendency to tarnish, a darkening that occurs when sterling silver reacts with gases in the air or with other substances that it comes in contact with.

Thanks for the help!

[streetsofrage]

I wouldn't go gold plated , it does wear off with use . I'm actually looking to buy a gold chain , Cuban curb link 18k chain around 100 grams or more and 24 inches. anyways people are telling me to check pawnshops because they buy gold for spot and can sell it much cheaper the normal jewelers

[bruisjem]

Bracelet is one of the best gift which is precious and modern. Gift is a we can say full of love and affection for the person whom you loved a lot.

[Olls]

A bracelet? Are you a girl?

[The Jackal]

A bracelet? Are you a girl?

No, it's a spambot - the same bloody spambot I reported a few days back.

[Olls]

Yeah, I meant OP, but you're right. I saw this one spamming multiple threads already, although always seems on-topic. These spambots are getting smarter every day, lol.

[The Jackal]

It's been banhammered. Finally.